The Century of Inventions of the Marquis of Worcester / from the Original MS., with Historical and Explanatory Notes and a Biographical Memoir

by Marquis of Edward Somerset Worcester

No. XCV.

A double cross-bow, neat, handsome, and strong, to shoot two arrows, either together, or one after the other so immediately, that a deer cannot run two steps, but, if he miss of one arrow, he may be reached with the other, whether the deer run forward, sideward, or start backward.

NOTE.

The cross-bow, though long since superseded in point of general utility by the invention of fire-arms, might still be found a useful auxiliary in the sports of the field, and as such, it has been thought advisable to notice what appears to be the plan on which this instrument must be constructed. To fire two arrows in immediate succession, it will be necessary either to attach a second bow to the under side of the stock, which, after discharging one arrow, may immediately be reversed, and the second fired. Or, where a bow of sufficient length is used, the string may communicate the required degree of impetus to two arrows in succession, a stud being previously prepared for its reception, about half-way down the stock, from which it may readily be liberated for the second discharge.